FRANKLIN – Fred Oliver Wheeler, 85, of Baldwin Street, passed away after a long illness on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at Mountain Ridge Center, Franklin.
Fred was born on April 21, 1933 in Gilford, NH, the son of the late George and Marie P. (Fortier) Wheeler. Growing up in the Gunstock area he spent much of his winters skiing, joining the Ski Jumping Team at Laconia High School. He accomplished whatever he put his mind to most of which were for the benefits of his family. He owned and operated Fred Wheeler Inc. in the Gilford area for over 30 years. He would often be seen fishing on Saltmarsh Pond, Lake Winnipesaukee or on his many hunting trips. Upon retirement, he lived in Naples Florida where he was always helping in his neighborhood.
Fred is survived by his daughter, Janice (Wheeler) Cray of Northfield; four grandchildren, Matthew Bull, Amy (Bull) Vallieres, Christopher Curley, and Corey Wheeler-Schirmer; a sister, Mary Rand of Rumney; a daughter-in- law Nikki Wheeler; a son-in-law Richard Bull; and four great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his wife Barbara (Dow) Wheeler; a son, Fred O. Wheeler, Jr.; a daughter, Cathy (Wheeler) Bull; a brother, Albert Wheeler; and a sister, Ruth Cheever.
There will be no calling hours.
A Memorial Service will be private.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made in Fred’s name to Gilford Old Home Day Committee, Fireworks Fund, Town Hall, 47 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH 03249
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.